THE National Registration Department (JPN) is strengthening its operational capacity to handle a surge in MyKad replacement requests ahead of the rollout of the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) subsidy programme.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said JPN currently processes an average of 40,000 replacement applications monthly and expects demand to increase once the programme begins.

“To avoid service disruptions, JPN has put in place several measures, including free chip replacement for damaged MyKad. This initiative will run until Oct 7,” he said after inspecting operations at the Putrajaya JPN counter yesterday.

According to Saifuddin, the government is set to absorb replacement costs amounting to RM714,660 during the campaign period.

He said JPN branches have been instructed to extend operating hours if necessary to manage the higher volume of applicants.

“Based on my visit today, operations are smooth despite higher foot traffic. On average, the process of card replacement, including verification, is completed within an hour,” he added.

About 99% of applicants have successfully completed their replacements without issues, while only 1% faced faulty chip-related delays.

The Budi95 programme, which channels targeted fuel subsidies to eligible groups, requires functional MyKad chips for verification at petrol stations.